The Original Million Dollar Mermaid: The Annette Kellerman Story [Paperback]

Emily Gibson (Author), Barbara Firth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2005

For the first time in print, this extraordinary and beautiful story tells the tale of Annette Kellerman—the woman who became one of the highest paid and most adored Hollywood and vaudeville stars of her day. Kellerman won audiences the world over with her trademark performances, gained fame for her dangerous swims in the English Channel, participated in a vaudeville act in which she dove into a giant glass tank, and performed underwater ballet. After starring in Hollywood's first-ever million-dollar film, she soon became a household name who drew long lines to see her on the screen in her famous, provocative costumes. This biography beautifully captures how Kellerman stole the hearts of a generation and challenged standards regarding how women should look, act, and think.

Editorial Reviews

Review

 "A long-overdue tribute."  —Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Emily Gibson is a freelance writer, researcher, producer, and playwright. She was a key researcher and scriptwriter for The Original Mermaid, a documentary on Annette Kellerman's life. Barbara Firth is Annette's authorized biographer and was the coordinator of the Sydney Opera House Archives of Theatrical Memorabilia in the 1970s, where she first met Annette Kellerman and acquired her personal collection on the opera house's behalf.

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin (2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1741144329
• ISBN-13: 978-1741144321
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,426,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent biography, January 28, 2007

By 

Walter R. Sereth (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Original Million Dollar Mermaid: The Annette Kellerman Story (Paperback)

Well worth reading. Annette Kellerman was an exceptional athlete, able to do virtually anything she set her mind to. She 'invented' underwater ballet and the modern women's swim suit. She was a star attraction in vaudeville, Broadway shows, and was an early film star. The book is well written and has two sections of photographs.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Read About a Pioneer Performer., March 19, 2007

By 

Marina, the Fire Eating Mermaid! "MeduSirena" (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Original Million Dollar Mermaid: The Annette Kellerman Story (Paperback)

I'm completely amazed at the accomplishments of Ms Kellerman. Those who have watched and enjoyed the film 'Million Dollar Mermaid' only know a small part of the tale. What an inspiring story of a unique and fascinating woman, a pioneer athlete & performer who no doubt continues to inspire many of those in the aquatic performance field.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars And, it all began when ..., April 5, 2008

By 

Lonnie D. Groendes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Original Million Dollar Mermaid: The Annette Kellerman Story (Paperback)

For fans of the MGM'S splendid, splashy Esther Williams films of the 50's, this wonderful bio, the backstory for Williams' "Million Dollar Mermaid," enlightens us as to "how it all began."